Agenda
Across a rich array of panel discussions, case-studies, site visits, keynotes, breakouts, roundtables and more, GEOLAC 2024 will cover an ambitious range of topics.
Welcome Remarks
Host Country Inauguration and Keynote
On behalf of the Government of El Salvador, Daniel Alvarez the Director General of Energy welcomes GEOLAC 2024 to the country.
International Perspective: Geothermal as a Key Component of the Global Pledge to Triple Renewables – How To Further International Cooperation
At COP28 countries lined up behind a global pledge to triple renewables. How does that impact prospects for geothermal development? And how does that play out in real terms in Latin America and the Caribbean?
Financing Dynamics & the Bankability of Geothermal In the Region
We assess the dynamics impacting the financing of geothermal. To what degree are alternative sources, such as impact investment, able to support development? And how can we crowd in more private sector finance? Are the multilaterals still strongly behind geothermal? Will – and what – new technologies increase investor appetite for geothermal? How can geothermal stakeholders harness these changing dynamics to move the industry forward?
Networking Break, Refreshments and Photos
More than Just Power, Why Geothermal is at the Nexus of Industrial Growth, and Food & Economic Security
Geothermal’s potential to meet pressing social challenges is huge and fairly untapped in the region. Where are the opportunities to center geothermal as a driver of economic growth? How can geothermal be a key part of the solution to food security challenges, and how can projects reach an impactful scale? How can geothermal power industrial growth and where can we point to success stories? How can the socio-economic impacts be factored into financing?
Technologies and Innovative Approaches: Driving Down Costs and Driving Up Feasibility
Looking at standout technologies and projects with potential impact on the regional geothermal space. A session focused on power production, as well as heating/cooling, both regionally and globally. Also, innovations to repurpose oil and gas infrastructure to geothermal and its regional implications. What technologies and operational/financial models will help to scale up geothermal?
Networking Luncheon
El Salvador’s Geothermal Landscape: How Are Projects Advancing and What Is On The Horizon?
GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates
LaGeo and partners discuss the current state of geothermal power in the country and prospects in the pipeline. What is the strategy for geothermal development and where are the opportunities for partnership and investment? What models of development and operation are proving successful? How are social and economic impacts being prioritized and incorporated into the projects? How is low-mid enthalpy geothermal playing a role and being expanded in power projects and stand-alone developments?
Caribbean: The Emerging Geothermal Success Story
GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates
After years of false horizons, geothermal in the Caribbean is about to have its day. Dominica is the poster child and its project is under development. Its East Caribbean neighbors are not far behind. What can we learn from Dominica’s approach and can it be replicated? What new parties – whether technical or financial – are engaging in the region? What can we learn about the optimal use of concessional funds? How does this emerging success story change the energy dynamic in the Caribbean and does it make regional interconnection more likely?
Central America: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras
GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates
- Guatemala: The Relaunch of Geothermal Energy – Detailing a renewed focus on geothermal in Guatemala:What are the opportunities on the horizon? Where does the administration see the potential applications and benefits of scalable direct use projects? Will public-private models enter the Guatemalan paradigm?
- Costa Rica: Perspectives for the Development of Geothermal Energy, Ongoing Projects and Socio-environmental Management – With an eye on undeveloped resources and drawing lessons learned from the Miravalles and Pailas Geothermal Fields, ICE will present the approach to geothermal expansion and the outlook for ongoing projects. Of particular concern are socio-environmental factors: social management in communities of influence, preserving biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, ICE will highlight opportunities for public-private participation.
- Honduras: Demonstrating Commitment to Geothermal – Despite challenges, Honduras is committed to making geothermal part of it’s transition strategy. Vice Minister Rodríguez discusses some of the obstacles, such as shortcomings in the regulatory framework, and addresses how these challenges are being addressed. What opportunities for investment and development are expected in-line with renewed political commitment? What concrete steps are being taken to stimulate development? What support is needed from technical and financial partners? What developments are we seeing from ENEE?
Subsurface to Surface Integration: An Approach To Improve Value Across The Chain
Refreshments, Networking and Photos
The Andean Region
GEOLAC 2024 Country Updates
- Argentina: Can Neuquén Deliver on its Geothermal Potential? – The President of ADI-NQN details progress in the Domuyo and Copahue projects. Are regional authorities supporting geothermal prospects in the context of the region’s fossil fuel dynamic? How is the agency addressing social and environmental concerns and prioritizing community relations? Finally- what investment is needed and why should international investors commit to Neuquén’s geothermal future?
- Chile: Opportunities For The Development of Geothermal Energy – Where is the Chilean electricity sector moving and what opportunities does the development of Geothermal Energy have in this sector? What is the current situation of geothermal concessions in Chile? What does the modification of the recently published geothermal concessions law consist of, in November 2024? What measures are being promoted to favor the development of geothermal projects for direct use?
- Bolivia: Maximizing Renewable Resources – Geothermal Resources – In the context of diversifying the energy matrix, efforts are being made to reactivate the Laguna Colorada geothermal project, which will play a key role in achieving this goal. This project will allow for the development of new projects for both direct and indirect uses. The integration of geothermal energy, along with other renewable sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass, will help Bolivia position itself as a leader in the comprehensive use of its renewable natural resources.
Taking Geothermal Further in Colombia
GEOLAC 2024 COUNTRY UPDATES
Since the updating of geothermal’s regulatory framework under the Energy Transition Law in 2022, what impacts can be perceived on the market and what further regulatory developments would stimulate geothermal development? What advances are we seeing in high, medium and low enthalpy? Looking at energy demand projections, how does geothermal compete in the power generation mix? How can baseload stability be factored in? Environmental permitting is a challenge for many projects. Is there a way to streamline the process, both at federal and municipal level? Finally- how to address the restricted access to substation connection points, against a context of competing with other technologies.
GEOLAC 2024 Cocktail Reception
Hosted by:
Ministerial Dinner
Hosted by:
